THE AUSTRALIAN ARMY
MEDICAL CORPS IN EGYPT
AN ILLUSTRATED AND DETAILED ACCOUNT OF
THE EARLY ORGANISATION AND WORK OF THE
AUSTRALIAN MEDICAL UNITS IN EGYPT
IN 1914-1915

BY
JAMES W. BARRETT

K.B.E., C.M.G., M.D., M.S., F.R.C.S. (Eng.)

TEMPORARY LIEUT.-COL. R.A.M.C.
LATELY LIEUT.-COL. A.A.M.C. AND A.D.M.S. AUSTRALIAN FORCE IN EGYPT, CONSULTING
OCULIST TO THE FORCE IN EGYPT AND REGISTRAR FIRST AUSTRALIAN
GENERAL HOSPITAL; OPHTHALMOLOGIST TO THE MELBOURNE HOSPITAL, LECTURER
ON THE PHYSIOLOGY OF THE SPECIAL SENSES IN THE UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE

AND

LIEUT. P. E. DEANE, A.A.M.C.

QUARTERMASTER FIRST AUSTRALIAN GENERAL HOSPITAL, EGYPT

H. K. LEWIS & CO. LTD.
136 GOWER STREET, LONDON, W.C.1
1918

DEDICATED TO
SIR HENRY and LADY MacMAHON,
IN GRATEFUL RECOLLECTION
OF THE SERVICES RENDERED BY THEM
TO THE
AUSTRALIAN SICK AND WOUNDED
IN EGYPT

CONTENTS

CHAPTER I
The Australian Army Medical Corps at the Outbreak of War

The Call for Hospitals—Appeal to the Medical Profession, and the Response—Raising the Units

pp. 1-10

CHAPTER II
The Voyage of the "Kyarra"

Lack of Adequate Preparation—Difficulties of Organisation—Ptomaine Poisoning

pp. 11-18

CHAPTER III
Arrival and Settlement in Egypt

Disposal of the Hospital Units—Treatment of Camp Cases—The Acquisition of Many Buildings—Where the Thanks of Australia are Due

pp. 19-31

CHAPTER IV
The Rush of Wounded and Rapid Expansion of Hospitals

Saving the Situation—Period of Improvisation—Shortage of Staff and Equipment—How the Expansion was effected—The Number of Sick and Wounded

pp. 33-54

CHAPTER V
Convalescent Depots

Evacuation of Convalescent Sick and Wounded from Congested Hospitals—Keeping the Hospitals Free—Libels on the Egyptian Climate—Discipline

pp. 55-65

CHAPTER VI
Evacuation of the Unfit

Relieving the Pressure on the Hospitals and Convalescent Depots—Back to Duty or Australia—Methods adopted—Transport of Invalids by Sea and Train

pp. 67-81

CHAPTER VII
Sickness and Mortality amongst Australians

The Dangers of Camp Life—Steps taken to prevent Epidemics—Nature of Diseases contracted and Deaths resulting—Defective Examination of Recruits—Ophthalmic and Aural Work—The Fly Pest—Low Mortality—The Egyptian Climate again—Surgical Work and Sepsis—Cholera—Infectious Diseases

pp. 83-111

CHAPTER VIII
Venereal Diseases

The Greatest Problem of Camp Life in Egypt—Conditions in Cairo—Methods taken to limit Infection—Military and Medical Precautions—Soldiers' Clubs

pp. 113-133

CHAPTER IX
The Red Cross Work

Its Value and Limitations—Origin in Australia—Report of Executive Officer in Egypt—Red Cross Policy—Defects of Civil and Advantages of Military Administration—What was actually done in Egypt

pp. 135-185

CHAPTER X
Suggested Reforms

Defects which became Obvious in War-time—Recommendations to promote Efficiency—Dangers to be avoided—Conclusion

pp. 187-205

CHAPTER XI
Postscript

Closure of Australian Hospitals—The Fly Campaign—Venereal Diseases—Y.M.C.A. and Red Cross—Multiplicity of Funds—Prophylaxis—Condition of Recruits on Arrival—Hospital Organisation—The Help given by Anglo-Egyptians